Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Many of these issues are fixable.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is usually a cheap, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This can make your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.
The first step is to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should come off fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.
The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Dry it out before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly in winter. It's typically caused by excessive humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass. This then condenses into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.
It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a leaky seal. The seal that is applied by the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed promptly.
A hairdryer can be used for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. However, this is only temporary solution and should be used as an option last resort. If the condensation has allowed to sit for too long it may be experiencing mould or dampness in your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.
window repair near me can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to eliminate any moisture. In this process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
The rubber seals wear out over time and create a draft between your two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air in your home, and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that can't be removed.
This is a simple problem to solve and windows can be swiftly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals into place and is generally faster than attempting to do it manually. The tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.
In some cases an expert could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements, and will provide a reliable draught-proofing system for double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have had misted double glazing. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this is often solved. This usually involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.
If you spot any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your notification. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your claim.
A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make the seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. It is recommended to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. They are susceptible to damage due to various factors, such as age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is essential to be aware of the signs and the best way to fix them.
When a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear to be distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.
A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a a new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog may return.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great option if you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be sure that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the maintenance instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.